Top 5 Mistakes OET Takers Commit in the Writing Sub-Test

Did you know that many test takers miss their OET grade goals because they don’t know what to avoid when they take the test? Don’t be one of them. Below is a list of the most common mistakes candidates commit when preparing for and taking the writing sub-test. If you’re guilty of any of them, make sure you erase them from your OET writing strategies.

1. Disregarding grammar

If you’re enrolled in an OET training center, this is one of the things that instructors will tell you to avoid. Here’s why.

“Grammatical range and accuracy” is one of the five criteria with which OET examiners score your writing and speaking performance. It makes up 25% of your grade in these sub-tests. If half—or more than half—of your sentences have inconsistencies in grammar, the examiner won’t give you marks for the grammatical range and accuracy criteria. Imagine setting your grade back 25% from the get-go. To avoid this, don’t disregard grammar in the writing exam.

2. Not double-checking spelling and punctuation

Spelling and punctuation, along with layout, all fall under the “presentation features” criteria—which means you can’t afford to make mistakes related to them.

Always double-check your work for spelling and punctuation errors. Go over the provided case notes if you’re not sure you spelled a word or expression correctly. Make sure all your sentences are punctuated appropriately. Enroll in a review course for the Occupational English Test Philippines to learn more useful proofreading tips.

3. Improvising the writing layout

You can’t just use any letter structure that comes to mind. You need to use the one most appropriate to the given scenario or context. If you’re writing a referral letter, layout your letter as such. Otherwise, the OET examiner will dock points from your writing score. Think your knowledge of writing layouts is limited and that it could hold you back from your score goals? Enroll in an OET training center to learn about the topic.

4. Not considering the reader

The reader dictates the language you use. So, always consider the recipient of the letter or case notes you’re tasked to write.

If your intended reader is a patient, avoid using abbreviations that only a healthcare professional would understand. Spell out abbreviations and explain complicated terms. Want to find out which abbreviations and expressions are appropriate for various readers? Enroll in an Occupational English Test Philippines review course.

5. Writing in blocks of texts

Don’t limit your writings to lengthy paragraphs. Remember, you are not writing an essay. Make the most out of the writing layout that you’re tasked to use. Discuss one key point per paragraph. Use bullet points if the structure allows it.